Liverpool Performance Under Scrutiny After Brentford Setback
Liverpool’s trip to Brentford turned into another sobering reminder of how quickly form can shift in the Premier League. A 3 to 2 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium marked a fourth league loss in a row, and even a brilliant late moment from Mo Salah could not alter the wider narrative. The champions lacked control for long periods and looked short of the fluency that defined their title winning campaign under Arne Slot.
Slot had spoken confidently about Salah before kick off, backing his forward to rise above recent criticism. The Egyptian’s goal drought had stretched to six matches and external pressure was building. His response, in the final minute of normal time, was a reminder of his enduring quality.
McCoist Reaction Highlights Salah’s Spark
The final stages brought a stunning piece of individual skill from Salah that lit up an otherwise gruelling night. After Liverpool worked the ball wide, Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a cross that appeared difficult to bring under control. Salah killed it with his left foot, shifted it onto his right and fired past former teammate Caoimhin Kelleher.
Speaking on co commentary for TNT Sports, Ally McCoist gushed: “That’s absolutely brilliant from Mohamed Salah. It is ridiculous, absolutely tremendous. I don’t know what Kristoffer Ajer is thinking about, he’s had a great evening but he’s got to come and meet that ball.
“The touch to pluck it out of the sky with one touch, and hit it with the same movement into the top corner, is absolutely magic. What a goal!”
McCoist’s reaction captured the sense of disbelief. Moments of this calibre have defined Salah’s Liverpool career and on a night riddled with errors, his technique and execution stood apart.
Numbers Tell Their Own Story
While the strike showcased world class ability, the broader performance reflected Liverpool’s ongoing issues. Salah’s first league goal since a stoppage time penalty at Burnley six weeks earlier did not mask a mixed outing. According to post match ratings from local media, he received a modest 5 out of 10. Data from Sofascore recorded nine duels lost out of eleven, two big chances missed before scoring, and no accurate crosses completed.
This blend of brilliance and frustration mirrored Liverpool’s evening as a whole. Brentford exploited spaces between midfield and defence, and showed greater cohesion. The final score suggested a tight contest but Liverpool were second best for much of the game.
What Liverpool Must Address
Liverpool need more than flashes of individual inspiration if they are to halt this autumn decline. Fatigue, rhythm and confidence appear to be factors, and Slot must decide whether tactical adjustments or personnel changes can restore balance. The manager defended Salah pre match and will likely continue to build around him, especially now the goal drought has ended.
Supporters will hope that this remarkable strike proves a turning point for Salah, not only for his own form but also for a team in need of leadership in testing moments. With challenging fixtures ahead, Liverpool require their senior figures to steady the course and reassert the standards that delivered the league title last season.
